Empty unit turned into modern business centre

Empty Seaham unit turned into modern business centre

AN UNUSED industrial building will open as a business centre next month.

Businessmen Andy Laundon and Lee Bishton are transforming the unused building at Enterprise Court, on Seaham Grange Industrial Estate, into office space for new and growing businesses.

The 6,500 sq ft building, named Enterprise House, will be themed on local attractions such as Seaham’s 'Tommy' memorial statue and Harbour View.

Enterprise House also includes the revamped and relocated AL’s Cafe, meeting rooms which cater for up to 80 people and conferencing facilities available to tenants and the public.

Mr Laundon, director of engineering firm Retroflo, whose office team will be based in Enterprise House as the company expands, said: “We know there is very little office space for new and growing businesses in the area, particularly for those people who are looking to make the move from home into their first office space.

“We want Enterprise House to be welcoming, offering businesses flexible high-quality space which can take them through their journey from launch or early stage growth up to around ten people, which is the maximum number of people our biggest office can accommodate.

“The building will also provide meeting rooms for use by our tenants, and conferencing facilities for companies in the area who are looking to host an event or staff or board meeting off-site. Again, there is very little like that available, so we know there is a demand for it.

“To enhance our offering to tenants and businesses in the area, we have also relocated AL’s Cafe from Peterlee into Enterprise House. The cafe is there for tenants and the public and already we’ve seen a steady stream of customers, which we expected to happen as there are no other food and drink facilities on Seaham Grange Industrial Estate.

"We want to encourage all of our tenants to interact and help each another, which will not only create a real community spirit within Enterprise House but will also support growth and success.”

The work is due to be completed this month and the first offices ready for occupation by early September.

Mr Laundon added: “Our rates will be competitive to reflect the target market and we’ll be offering incentives to companies who commit to an office for the longer term. Another selling point will be the administration support we’ll be providing, which would appeal to micro firms with one or two people, who don’t have anyone within their business who can provide that service. As a growing business ourselves, we’re very excited to see Enterprise House develop and attract a real mix of businesses– very much reflective of Seaham’s thriving and very successful business community.”

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